Characteristics of alpaca wool from farmed animals located on different continents

Abstract

Characteristics of alpaca wool from farmed animals located on different continents. Interest in breeding alpacas around the world is related to the acquisition of valuable fi bre from these animals. The characteristics of alpaca wool are infl uenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The aim of the study was to compare chosen traits of Huacaya alpaca wool from three farms located in Australia, Africa and Europe. The wool samples were collected from 30 alpacas, 10 from each farm the assessed wool characteristics (fi bre diameter, level of medullation and staple length) was determined. The following fi bre types have been identifi ed: with continuous medulla, with partial medulla and no-medullated. Similar results were obtained with respect to the fi bre diameter, staple length, the level of medullation and even distribution of the type of medullated fi bres in all tested farms.